Fed: Coalition MPs concerned about petrol prices

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2000
Fed: Coalition MPs concerned about petrol prices

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD is expected to call for unity on petrol prices at a joint
party room meeting today.

At least six backbenchers have called for a freeze on the next round of fuel excise
indexation scheduled for February.

But Mr HOWARD has ruled out cutting the hefty excise -- already 38.12 cents a litre
-- saying it would cut into the Budget surplus.

Labor has called for a Senate inquiry into petrol prices, but the Australian Democrats
are likely to block the plan, instead calling for an investigation into the nation's public
transport system.

Meanwhile a government frontbencher has written to Mr HOWARD expressing grave concerns
about the rising cost of petrol.

WARREN ENTSCH, the parliamentary secretary for resources, says he expects a reply this
week, and he's concerned about the impact on regional Australia.

AAP RTV jb/mfh/alt/RSM/smf/nf

KEYWORD: PETROL (CANBERRA)

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